From the aspirations of a small group of men in the Auckland Golf Club back in 1956 a nationwide organisation dedicated to the promotion of the game of golf and the fellowship engendered among its members has developed.

The Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand now has autonomous society’s in all the NZ Golf districts and boasts a total membership of just over 1,400.

The aim of the founders was to put something back into the game by fostering junior golf and, as they were all well experienced in many facets of the game, by sharing their knowledge and experience with smaller and developing clubs.

From these beginnings, the ideals of the founders slowly spread throughout the country and gradually district society’s were formed, initially in loose association with the Auckland founders. In 1963 it was agreed to form a New Zealand Society and to draft a constitution and seek incorporation.

The inaugural annual meeting was held in Rotorua the following year and the Auckland members were joined by those from Waikato, Bay of Plenty. Hawkes Bay and Otago. A national constitution was approved and incorporation achieved.

Following this, other Society’s were formed and affiliated to the National organisation. What is now known as the Eagles Golfing Society of Aorangi joined the National body in 1969.

Membership is restricted to a limited number in each district and is by invitation. The Aorangi Society’s membership ceiling is 60 full members although a number of others are included in the Life and Associate categories.

Members have a regular programme of activities through the year which includes visits to clubs in the district, arranging and participating in the annual Halberg Trust fund-raising tournaments, supporting junior events and an annual Christmas function.

Additionally many local members join with over 400 other Eagles and their partners at the Society’s annual convention which is held throughout New Zealand. This event not only serves as a venue for the body’s annual meeting but provides an enjoyable programme of golfing and social events for participants over a four day period.

"MEMBERSHIP”

At the AGM of the Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand Inc held in Rotorua 25th February 2013 the criteria to become an Eagle was defined as below:

“To become an Eagle the nominee is being recognized for having played the game to a high standard, or for proven work and ongoing service in the administration of the game, or contributing to the aims of the Society”